Do you know which obstacle to change is holding you back from living the life you really want? Even if you sincerely want to make positive changes in your life, success may elude you. Maybe you’re sabotaging yourself without realizing it. Or, maybe you’re skipping essential steps that would make your efforts pay off.

Resources mentioned:

Brand-new Commit to Change course with exclusive podcast listeners’ discount and special January only bonus – your very own printable journal with 31 journaling prompts for the New Year https://biggifraley.com/ctcpodcast

[0:07] Do you know which obstacle to change is holding you back from living the life you really want? Even if you sincerely want to make positive changes in your life success may elude you. Maybe you’re sabotaging yourself without realizing it. Or, maybe you’re skipping essential steps that would make your efforts pay off.

[0:38] Hi my name is Biggi Fraley. I’m The Arthritis Coach, and welcome to today’s shows, and welcome to 2019! Yay! Happy New Year, everyone! And speaking of the new year, I have a quick announcement to make and in regard to my own New Year resolutions, as I will finally pursue that Nutrition Therapy degree that I’ve been putting off for the past two years now. What this means is that for the next couple of months, until further notice, I will only publish a new podcast episode as well as my weekly newsletter on alternating weeks. So, basically, on a bi-weekly schedule each. Now, you’re receiving my newsletter, aren’t you? Because if not, make sure to go over https://biggifraley.com/insider, and subscribe today!

[1:35] All right. So, let’s talk about how you can make change happen in your life this year. You see, change occurs naturally but it can be difficult to keep it flowing in the direction you want. According to some estimates 80% of New Year resolutions fail, and when it comes to losing weight more than 95% of dieters regained the weight they lost within three years. So, let’s find out what is really holding you back from living the life you want. We’ll take a look at three common obstacles to personal change and learn how to overcome them.

[2:18] Living with Uncertainty. Now, clinging to what’s familiar can give you a sense of security. However, staying in your comfort zone may mean missing out on a more meaningful life. So, here’s what we need to do. Number one, Let Go of Judgments. Stop rushing to categorize people or events, slow down and open up your mind to other viewpoints. Number two, Clarify Your Vision. When you know what you’re trying to accomplish it’s easier to make specific plans. Reflect on your goals and write them down.

[3:01] Number three, Focus on Gains. When you’re taking on a challenge, imagine the rewards as well as the possible pitfalls. Motivate yourself by thinking positive, even if the outcomes aren’t what you had in mind, you can learn from the experience. And last, Start Small. Begin with modest changes. Each victory will boost your confidence and abilities. Obstacle number two, Gathering Resources. There are many simple and free things you can do to take care of yourself. On the other hand you may have some goals that will require time, money, and other resources. Learn how to Build Your Capacity. You can do this by, number one, Setting Priorities. Trying to change too many things at once can be overwhelming. Take one or two top concerns and focus your efforts there.

[4:08] Number two, Get Organized. You can accomplish more when you have a system. Clear away mental and physical clutter. Invent routines that will save you time and money. Number three, Revise Your Budget. Look for ways to cut spending and increase your income. Bring your lunch to work instead of eating at sandwich shops, and turn your hobby into a side income.

[4:38] Number four, Seek Information maybe you need additional knowledge and skills to make the changes you have in mind. Sign up for training at work or take a course online. And, number five, Ask for Support. Having a strong network makes you more resilient. Ask your family and friends for the assistance you need.

[5:04] And, obstacle number three, Transforming Habits. Habits are powerful. Unless you examine your actions you may wind up reacting to situations automatically instead of choosing the options that will make you happier and more productive.

[5:24] Here’s what to do. Number one, Identify Triggers. Maybe you’re trying to quit smoking, but you reach for a cigarette as soon as you pour your morning coffee. Figure out the triggers that distract you from your positive intentions. Number two Develop Substitutions. Once you know the situations where you’re likely to laps, you can craft alternative responses. Keep your hands busy with needlework or a video game instead of smoking a cigarette. And, number three, Practice Mindfulness. Research shows that it often takes a couple of months for new habits to solidify. Plus, being consistent during the first few days of starting a new practice will increase your chances of success. Remind yourself that being patient and vigilant now will benefit you in the future.

[6:25] It’s important to embrace change if you want to grow. Once you understand what’s holding you back, you can come up with strategies that will help you reach your personal and professional goals. Now, if you want to get serious implementing today’s lessons, my new course, Commit to Change, is the perfect way to get started! Within just one week, you will gain clarity about your true life vision. You will uncover negative self-talk you were unaware of and that has kept you from reaching your goals in the past. And, you will know exactly what actions to take that will lead to success. All, while creating a new healthy daily habit in the process. So, if you ready to turn your dreams into reality this year, I invite you to enroll today at https://biggifraley.com/ctcpodcast and not only will you receive an exclusive discount reserved for podcast listeners like you, but this month only, I’m also including a very special bonus, a printable journal with 31 journaling prompts for the New Year.

[7:47] This will allow you to take your new journaling habit to new heights and make sure it’s becoming a habit for life. I am so excited to see you inside the course! As always you’ll find the link mentioned in the show notes. And once more, I wish you a Happy New Year! And, remember to join me in 2 weeks for the latest episode of The Arthritis Coach podcast, available Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. Pacific on your favorite podcast channel. Thank you so much! Bye, bye.

About the Author

Biggi Fraley empowers you to achieve peak performance by applying her unique and proven coaching framework, so that you can not only reach your highest potential, but do so while staying true to who you are.